Savannah Museums: Top Places to Learn and Play

Savannah was one of the original 13 colonies and is the oldest city in Georgia. The city played a major role in the Revolutionary War and Civil War, but has since grown into one of the most diverse cities in the South. To help travelers see the city’s story come to life, we rounded up the top Savannah museums. Check them out.

Top 7 Savannah Museums for History and Local Culture

Savannah History Museum

Start learning about the city at Savannah History Museum located in Tricentennial Park. The museum showcases Savannah’s history from 1733 until present day, and includes period dress, special exhibits and artifacts. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities and playing dress up like residents in the old South. Other notable sites include the bench from Forrest Gump and a special exhibit that details 100 years of Girl Scout history.

Savannah Children’s Museum

While in Tricentennial Park, head to Savannah Children’s Museum, an outdoor attraction for kids ages 1 to 4 years old. Home to over 12 exhibits, the museum welcomes little ones to play, learn and roam. Kids will enjoy slides, building with large blocks, climbing, playing instruments, dressing up and socializing. Make sure they find their way out of the maze and burn some extra energy.

Photo: Joe Ross

Georgia State Railroad Museum

Georgia State Railroad Museum is a national historic landmark and also sits in Tricentennial Park. Visitors can explore rail cars, and go on guided tours to learn about the railroad and its significance in the area. For a memorable adventure, hop aboard a steam or diesel locomotive and ride through the area. In spring and summer, trains run most Wednesdays through Sundays and during most weekends in other seasons.

Old Fort Jackson

Home to one of the oldest brick fortifications on the East Coast, Old Fort Jackson offers history and scenic views of Savannah’s waterfront. Visitors of all ages will see interactive exhibits, play dress up and watching daily cannon firings. Tours typically last an hour, and see-three pass offers discounted pricing and admission five Savannah museums.

Telfair Museums

Art and architect enthusiasts should visit Telfair Museums at Telfair Academy. Housed in a former mansion dating from 1818-1819, the academy contains two 19th-century period rooms and 19th- and 20th-century art. Guests should expect to see paintings and sculptures from American and European artists, including George Bellows, Gari Melchers and Robert Henri.

Admission to Telfair Academy also provides access to two additional Savannah museums. The Jepson Center houses contemporary art collections, community gallery, and interactive gallery for children and families. The Owen-Thomas House showcases one of the city’s most prominent families and explores the lives of slaves who were held at the house. Tours cover history from 1819 until the 1950s.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum offers an indoor attraction and onsite gardens. Its main attraction, the Scarbrough House, houses exhibits such as models, paintings and maritime antiques. Inside the house, see nine galleries of ship models featuring colonial vessels, ocean-going steamers, and modern Navy ships. Most models are built to a 3/8 scale, and include The Steamship Savannah, City of Savannah and The Titanic.

After touring models, step outdoors and admire native plants dating as far as the 1800s. The garden includes azaleas and magnolias, a large brick terrace, and the award-winning north garden with citrus grove, maple grove and picturesque views.

Pin Point Heritage Museum

Among the top-rated Savannah museums find Pin Point Heritage Museum, considered a gem full of untold history and stories. Once known as the Varn and Sons Oyster Canning Factory, the museum now allows guests to learn about Gullah/Geechee way of life. Take a tour that spotlights this culture’s way of life, religion, food and history.

The Pin Point community was isolated on the banks of the Moon River for 100 years. The museum aims to bring this history to life and explore life connected to the water.